The Big6 is a method of solving any information problem. Here's a quick run-down on each of the six steps.
1. Task Definition
What is your problem? You can't solve something if you don't know what it is. Are you writing a report? Doing an experiment? Creating a project? When you've decided what your problem is, brainstorm questions you'd like to answer.
2. Information Seeking Strategies
Where can you go for information? What are the best sources for your problem?
3. Location and Access
Locate your sources of information, then access the information within each source.
4. Use of Information
Read (or listen to, or watch) your source and take notes.
5. Synthesis (a fancy word for "make something")
Write your report, do your experiment or create your project. Make sure you follow any directions your teacher has given you.
6. Evaluation
Remember the little word within Evaluate. Judge the value of your product. Did you do what you set out to do? Did you leave anything out? Do you need to go back and fill in some information? Now is the time to make changes and make it as good as it can possibly be. When it is as good as you can possibly make it, turn it in.
The Big6 is a method of solving any information problem. Here's a quick run-down on each of the six steps.
1. Task Definition
What is your problem? You can't solve something if you don't know what it is. Are you writing a report? Doing an experiment? Creating a project? When you've decided what your problem is, brainstorm questions you'd like to answer.
2. Information Seeking Strategies
Where can you go for information? What are the best sources for your problem?
3. Location and Access
Locate your sources of information, then access the information within each source.
4. Use of Information
Read (or listen to, or watch) your source and take notes.
5. Synthesis (a fancy word for "make something")
Write your report, do your experiment or create your project. Make sure you follow any directions your teacher has given you.
6. Evaluation
Remember the little word within Evaluate. Judge the value of your product. Did you do what you set out to do? Did you leave anything out? Do you need to go back and fill in some information? Now is the time to make changes and make it as good as it can possibly be. When it is as good as you can possibly make it, turn it in.
The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit: www.big6.com